Every renewal season I hear the same thing from business owners: "The increase is huge, and I can't tell why." In many cases I'm seeing renewals jump 20%, 30%, even 40%. And a surprising share of that comes from a small number of very expensive claims.
One of the fastest-growing ones is prescription weight-loss medication.
Why a few prescriptions move your whole renewal
GLP-1 medications for weight loss often run around $1,000 a month at retail. When employees fill those prescriptions through the company health plan, the cost lands on the plan's claims. Higher claims mean a higher renewal. I wrote about the same dynamic in The Real Cost of Prescription Drugs.
You can't control what a drug costs. But you can give your team another way to get care.
What CarePlus is
CarePlus is an online service that connects employees with licensed U.S. providers and offers clinician-prescribed treatment at discounted employee pricing. There are no in-person appointments, and medications ship free to the employee's door.
It covers three areas:
- Medical weight loss: online access to GLP-1 medications, with guidance on nutrition, activity and sleep.
- Hair care: proven ingredients like minoxidil and finasteride, tailored to the individual.
- Skin care: prescription skincare for acne, rosacea, fine lines and more.
How it works for your employees
- They complete a quick, online intake form.
- A licensed provider reviews their information and writes a prescription, if appropriate.
- Their medication ships directly to their door.
- They get ongoing support and treatment adjustments as needed.
That "if appropriate" matters. CarePlus is an independent telehealth service, and treatment is prescribed only when a licensed provider decides it's right for that person.
How it may help your renewal
Here's the logic. When employees get these medications through CarePlus instead of your health plan, those claims never reach the group plan. Fewer high-cost claims can mean a healthier claims picture, and that may help hold down your next renewal.
I can't promise a specific number. Renewals depend on your carrier, your plan design and your group's overall claims. What I can say is that taking even a few very large claims off the table is a sensible thing to try, and it costs you nothing to offer.
What it costs you (and what it doesn't)
- It costs your company nothing.
- It requires no changes to your health plan.
- You don't collect or see any employee health information. That stays between the employee and their CarePlus provider.
I offer it as a courtesy to the business owners and executives I work with. The only thing our page asks employees for is their company name, so I can see which companies are using it. It never asks for their email.
Want to check it out, or share it with your team?
Start here: peofortheceo.com/careplus.
- Employees can type their company name and go straight to CarePlus.
- Employers can request a ready-to-send email to forward to their staff. The download includes the finished email, a preview image, a plain-text version and short instructions. It takes about five minutes to send.
A few quick questions
Is CarePlus insurance?
No. It's an independent telehealth service, separate from your health insurance, and it works alongside the benefits you already offer.
Do my employees have to use it?
No. It's optional, and it's a good fit for anyone who wants a convenient, lower-cost way to get care online.
Will this definitely lower my renewal?
I can't promise that. It's one way to reduce high-cost claims that otherwise land on your plan. If you'd like to talk through how it fits with your renewal, I'm happy to look at it with you.
My take
You don't have to accept a renewal increase as a fact of life. Giving your team a lower-cost option for care they're already paying for is one of the simpler steps you can take.
If you'd like to talk about your renewal, book a free consultation or email me directly.
suzanna@peofortheceo.com
Suzanna Martinez, President | PEO For The CEO
CarePlus is an independent telehealth service. Treatment is prescribed only if a licensed provider determines it is appropriate. PEO for the CEO does not provide medical care.